Haley for President?

In the piece, Leibovich makes passing mention of Barbour's 2008 aspirations and quotes a Mississippi State professor who ties those hopes to Barbour's ability to bring in federal dollars for the recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Although Barbour has seen his national profile skyrocket since the storm decimated Mississippi's Gulf Coast last month, he was eyeing a national bid prior to the natural disaster.

The best piece of evidence of Barbour's interest is the federal leadership political action committee, known as Haley's PAC, which is run by Barbour's nephew Austin Barbour, a lobbyist in Jackson, Miss. The PAC was incorporated on Sept. 22, 2004, according to documents filed with the Federal Election Commission.

The organization raised $40,000 last cycle, doling out $27,000. Haley's PAC had raised $136,000 through August 2005.

A leadership PAC has become de rigeur for politicians interested in raising their national profile -- especially those considering a presidential bid. Such committees allow a candidate to build good will by donating to other candidates while also funding political travel around the country, another necessity for 2008 aspirants.